A balloon for every life saved on beaches

Picture / Dean Purcell

Surf lifesavers released 1810 balloons yesterday at Orewa in recognition of the lives saved on the beaches last year.

Surf lifesavers from around the Auckland region had gathered at the beach to dust off their togs in preparation for the next few months of duty.

They were retested on their lifeguard skills as well as renewing their qualifications for another busy summer at the beach.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand chief executive Geoff Barry said more than 1800 bathers could have drowned last summer had it not been for the presence of life guards, who provided more patrol hours than ever before.

"The sight of 1810 balloons puts into context just how many lives are saved each year," Mr Barry said.

"It makes a big impact, as does the work volunteer surf lifeguards undertake each weekend to make sure New Zealand's favourite playground is safe."

The record number of hours was a reflection of the increasing use of the coastline and proof of the health of surf lifesaving as a volunteer organisation.